One of my favourite places to photograph daily life is Yangon.

The city has some excellent street markets.

As you would expect for a coastal city and one close to the delta’s many rivers, there’s no shortage of fish in the markets.

Each day a fresh catch of sea and freshwater fish hit the markets and is quickly snapped up by Yangon’s home cooks.

Nothing goes to waste. Heads and bones are sold for making curries and stock.

You can see more of my market shots from Myanmar and elsewhere in the region at www.stockfood.co.uk Follow @mickshippen and @stockfood_UK

For its palpable energy, vibrant markets and cornucopia of street food, Yangon knocks Bangkok into a cocked hat. Since I started visiting more than a decade ago it has remained one of my favourite cities.

I happily spend all day wandering around photographing street food vendors and markets, and hunting out tasting local dishes.

In the early morning and late afternoon, markets are packed with shoppers looking for the best fresh produce.

Chicken and pork are the most popular meats but there are Muslim butchers specialising in beef and mutton.

There is an abundance of small neighbourhood markets to explore.

As Thailand, pickled and sour fruits with a chilli dip are popular.

Food stalls selling rice and curry, the ubiquitous mohinga noodle soup, and tea abound.

Eating out has always been popular but since the country opened up streets stalls and small restaurants have flourished. There are some excellent places to eat and some very interesting regional dishes to discover.

In the evening you can enjoy a version of hotpot, simply add stock and simmer.

Most cooking in the streets is still done of charcoal stoves.

My working day in front of the computer is usually punctuated by cups of freshly ground coffee and the occasional brew of Earl Grey tea.

In Myanmar, it is tea that fuels the nation; that and betel nut of course. Tea stalls and tea shops abound, and no meal or snack is complete without a cup of tea.

It is particularly popular in the late afternoon and early evening when the tables are set out in the streets and people gather for tea and a chat after work.

 It is usually served black or milky with a liberal splash of tinned milk.

Snack foods such as samosas are often served and there’s always a plate of fresh or dried chillies to spice things up a bit.

More often that not, the large tea kettles are brought to the boil on charcoal stoves.

Last night I attended the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year 2013 at the Mall Galleries in London. It was a well attended evening with prizes presented by food critic, journalist and MasterChef judge, Jay Rayner. David Loftus, Jamie Oliver’s photographer, and chef Bill Granger were also there.

There were more than 5,500 entires from all over the world and I think the standard of work was even higher than last year. I had been selected in three categories, each of which featured seven images. I’m delighted to say that I scooped first prize in the Philip Harben Award for Food in Action category with the image above.

It was taken at about 5.30 a.m. near the morning fish market in Yangon. The shot is of a lady preparing dosa rice flour pancakes on three charcoal stoves.

The exhibition is open to the public at The Mall Galleries, London SW1 from Wednesday 24th – Sunday 28th April 2013.

I was also selected for the Food in the Street and Food in its Place categories.

While in London I stayed at the Mecure London Bridge, a great hotel in an outstanding location close to the river and Borough Market.